Shoaib appeals against fine

Shoaib Akhtar has appealed against the Rs 300,000 (US$5,000) fine handed to him by the Pakistan board last week for leaving the Karachi training camp early and failing to appear at the subsequent disciplinary hearing.

"I have appealed against the fine because I think I was not given the chance to give my version of events," Shoaib told AFP. The fine was imposed last Wednesday after Shoaib failed to turn up for a hearing the day before. Shoaib maintains he was made aware of the hearing two days after it had taken place.

Shafqat Naghmi, PCB's chief operating officer, held a meeting with Shoaib today to discuss the events of last week. On Friday, Shoaib reportedly clashed with board officials over the fine at Gaddafi Stadium. Naghmi told Cricinfo, "There appears to have been some miscommunication which was probably the cause of this incident. An appellate committee will be set up to look into his stance now."

Naghmi added that Shoaib had assured the board he was fit and looking forward to playing for Pakistan in the Twenty20 World Championship, dismissing some reports which said he had threatened to pull out of the tournament.